Resolved Firefox 3.6 crashes after install and will not run in Win 7

Firefox 3.6.8 (latest version just downloaded from FileHippo) installs OK but will not run. It crashes every time I try to start it, whether in regular or safe mode. It obviously has no add-ons. The Crash Reporter states "The application had a problem and crashed. Unfortunately the crash reporter is unable to submit a report for this crash. Details: The application didn't leave an application data file."

The problem started when I had trouble with the File and Settings Transfer Wizard and had to do a System Restore. Before that Firefox was running just fine. Since that S.R. I haven't been able to copy, delete, rename or do anything with the files on my PC. I don't know if these are related. I already spent five days setting up this new machine and I'd hate to have to do it all over. Unfortunately, this is an all-in-one PC and I don't have the $$$ for an external drive yet and didn't do a backup.

The online help I've found from Mozilla and via Google hasn't turned up anything resembling the problem I'm having. Anyone? Thanks!

Frank D

 

UPDATE:
When clicking on a link in an e-mail message, the Firefox window opens and an error message appears superimposed over it: "Could not initialize the application's security component." (I'm leaving out some text here.) And then after I click on OK, another: "Can't connect securely because the SSL protocol has been disabled. (Error code: ssl_error_ssl_disabled)."

So now that the window is and remains open, I can use Firefox for browsing as if it is in Safe Mode, but no add-ons or bookmarks are available or can be set.

Does anyone know how I can enable the SSL protocol?

Frank D

 

CORRECTION: I can't use Firefox for browsing. The only way it will work is if I click on an external link; then it opens in Firefox after the two error message are closed.

P.S. My computer and Internet Explorer 8 appear to be working normally in every other way. It appears that only Firefox is crippled.

Frank D

 

Hi Frank,

IE and Firefox share many settings/options. Open up IE and check options/settings to make sure all zones are set to default, then check the advanced tab and scroll towards the bottom to the "security" category and make sure at least ssl 2.0 and tsl 1.0,Apply and okay your way out.

Excuse me...Firefox has it's own settings for encryption ssl protocal. From toolbar:tools>options>Advanced tab>encryption tab make sure ssl 3.0and tsl 1.0 are checked.

If not the above see what Bing says about this this error. It may be a read write permission.:
http://www.bing.com/search?q=Could+not+initialize+the+application's+security+component&form=OSDSRC

 

3.6.7 and 3.6.8 have been released on short order of one another. Perhaps there is something happening that is bothering W7. Both releases are working on my XP Pro system.

 

Goddez, I followed your link and created a new profile. Voila, it did the trick! I don't have my old profile with all my bookmarks, but at least Firefox opens up normally now. Thank you!

Frank

 

Scout, thanks for your reply. I too had FF 3.6.7 and 3.6.8 (one after the other) running nicely on my Win7 machine, until I did that Files & Settings Wizard trick and then ran a System Restore after deciding I didn't like the results the F&SW produced. That's when FF went haywire.

Anyway, I think I've recovered now by generating that new FF profile.

Frank

 

POSTSCRIPT:
I copied the profile contents from my WinXP machine's version of Firefox and pasted it into the new Win7 profile and guess what? All my bookmarks, add-ons and everything are there, and everything's working again! Thanks again, Goddez!

Frank

 

Hello Frank,

Your most welcome and I'm glad that I could at least point you in the right direction. The biggest portion of the thanks goes to yourself for making the right choice and for sharing the outcome, so thank you back at ya'.

---Aren't you the lucky one?---------------
Interesting. I have run across what I believe may have happened and this was related to. Apparently a "bug" in Firefox and one that has a history of reoccurring. See:
Known issues in the below link, (related to latest version 3.6.8)
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/3.6.8/releasenotes/

What is FIPS mode in Firefox:
https://developer.mozilla.org/FIPS_Mode_-_an_explanation

Configuring Firefox for FIPS:
http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Configuring+Firefox+for+FIPS+140-2